What are the Differences Between Veneers and Implants?

Both dental veneers and implants are two options that can dramatically change your smile, however they are quite different treatments. While both procedures can improve your overall dental aesthetic and functionality they serve different purposes and are suitable for varied dental conditions.

Firstly dental implants are a great solution to replace teeth or a missing tooth, by placing a titanium screw to replace your missing tooth root. Ultimately this supports the new porcelain tooth crafted to blend in with your remaining teeth or veneers. 

Secondly, veneers which are created for chipped teeth, damaged, worn down or misaligned to uplift your smile. They are made from a very thin shell of porcelain and custom made to fit your specific teeth and a personalised look. We also offer our own signature Picasso veneers, hand crafted by our exceptional trained ceramicists using high quality materials, detail and skills in our own lab.

At Vogue Dental Studios we partner with you to create an individualised treatment plan, this may involve a combination of veneers and implants made to blend in with your new smile. We offer customised dental solutions and help you select the best option for you. We proudly serve the Eastern seaboard of Australia, with specialised dental clinics offering premium veneers in Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast. You can book with us now here.

If you’re considering veneers or implants, making an informed choice about your dental care provides a more complete understanding and overview of what can be provided for your dental requirements, especially finding the right solution for your individual needs. 

Let’s take a closer look;

Veneers

• Provide minor cosmetic solutions and are great for addressing small flaws or imperfections in your smile.
• Protect the outer surface of damaged teeth and can eliminate the needs for more extensive treatments
• Require very minimal removal of your natural tooth structure, overall around 0.5mm from the tooth surface.
• Keep in mind veneers won’t correct any underlying dental issues, and great oral health is required for overall maintenance and upkeep of veneer dental treatments.

Implants

• Are a long term solution for the replacement of missing or damaged teeth
• Implants prevent the surrounding teeth from moving, which can occur when there is a gap in your teeth.
• Improve your overall health, this makes it easier to clean teeth regularly, reducing the strain on your other teeth
• Can maintain jawbone health and stimulate healthy bone growth, preventing the bone loss that occurs when teeth are missing.
• Provide a natural-looking, secure option for missing teeth or damaged teeth. Discover more about our dental implants Sydney, Melbourne, and Gold Coast locations. 

Before and After Results Combination Cases 

Tom’s before and after results Picasso Porcelain Veneers® & Smile With Implants™ Combination

Sam’s before and after results Picasso Porcelain Veneers® & Smile With Implants™ Combination

To explore your options, you can chat with our experienced dentists and healthcare professionals at Vogue Dental Studios for guidance and support on the option that works best for you.

While veneers and implants can improve the look of your smile, they aren’t always the best option for every individual. 

Our dentists at Vogue Dental will offer a detailed assessment of your teeth based on suitability and consider what options are the best for your specific circumstances, by offering customised solutions to your needs. 

Veneers

Veneers are suitable for:

• Excellent for those with chipped, discoloured or slightly misaligned teeth
• Addresses minor cosmetic imperfections like gaps between teeth or crooked teeth
• A great solution for individuals with very healthy gums and teeth, as a strong foundation is required, in order for the veneers to be added to the surface.

Not suitable for: 

• Those who clench or grind their teeth regularly, as this can damage the veneers over a quicker period of time. 

Implants

Implants are suited for:

• Ideal for people with excellent oral hygiene and non-smokers, due to the interference smoking can cause with the healing process that is needed and longevity of implants.
• Is suitable for patients with heavily damaged teeth, or several missing teeth, also where the overall structure of teeth cannot  be saved.
• Great for individuals who don’t suffer from periodontal disease, healthy gums are required for a successful implant procedure.
• -Requires strong bone density in the jaw to correctly support each implant. In some cases, bone grafting may be required prior to implant surgery.

Implants are not suited for:

• For patients with particular medical conditions, or those who are taking medications that may affect bone healing
• Young patients with jaw bones that are still developing and growing.

Before and After Results: Implant Only Cases

Damian’s  Before and After Results Smile With Implants™

\Doreen’s  Before and After Results: Smile With Implants™

Veneers are advantageous for those who want an effective cosmetic solution to uplift the overall look of their smile and oral health.

• Require minimal removal of your natural teeth: Veneers only need a small amount of enamel removal, unlike a crown which does require a lot more removal of your tooth. Our professional dentists will only remove the absolute necessary amount needed in order to preserve most of your natural tooth structure.
• Visually improved appearance and confidence: Veneers correct issues like discoloration, chips and misalignment of teeth and dramatically uplifting the look of your natural smile. 
• Are stain resistant: In particular porcelain veneers, are highly repellent to staining from such drinks as tea, coffee and even red wine, making them long lasting, and to stay whiter for longer.
• Simple and short procedure: This generally takes between 2-3 appointments in the chair from start to finish for a complete smile procedure.
• Very durable: With proper oral hygiene, veneers can last between 10-15 years or longer.
• Custom made: Every single veneer is colour corrected to match the tone of your teeth and shape of your teeth, giving a natural look so it blends in with your remaining teeth.

At Vogue Dental Studios, we offer many types of veneers that are great for a wide variety of cosmetic treatment options. Our dentists are experienced professionals that can help you select the most beneficial type of veneers.

Our Picasso Veneers Series

Have been designed and developed by our exceptional team created by our highly skilled ceramists.  Our Picasso veneers provide durability and visually pleasing aesthetics made in our own in house lab.

Picasso Pure Plus Hand Layered Veneers

Case Studies

Angie’s Before and After Results: Picasso Porcelain Veneers®

Dzenana’s Before and After Results: Picasso Porcelain Veneers®

Our premium porcelain veneers are great for:

• Customised colour matching that blends with the natural colour of your existing teeth
• Natural appearance, developed to mimic the natural translucency of teeth
• Highly stain resistant, maintaining a bright and lasting look for many years
• Durable to cracking and chipping, due to the porcelain being an incredibly strong and lasting material.

Picasso Pure 100% Porcelain Veneers

Our 100% pure porcelain veneers offer:

• Highly translucent look for a more natural appearance, allowing light to go through in a similar way to real natural teeth. 100% porcelain is naturally translucent when undergoing heat treatment in the lab kiln, a device used to set the porcelain in place.
• Reduces the risk of gum irritation and allergic reactions due to biocompatibility. 
• Stronger than traditional veneers, due to the highly dense porcelain material making them stronger against chips and cracks.

Picasso Ultra Hybrid Veneers

Case Studies

Eve’s Before & After Results - Picasso Ultra Hybrid Veneers™

Lili’s Before & After Results - Picasso Ultra Hybrid Veneers™

Hybrid styled veneers comprise a hybrid combination between composite and porcelain materials.

• This offers less of a tooth reduction required, compared to traditional porcelain veneers
• Closely replicates the natural look of a real tooth and is highly durable, due to the mix of materials together compared to traditional composite veneers.
• A more affordable option, compared to the pure porcelain, which is another accessible option for a cosmetic makeover.

Composite Veneers

• A highly and cost effective solution for smaller or minor cosmetic smile improvements.
• A fairly quick application process that can often be completed in as little as 1 session.
• Require either no removal of the original natural tooth or a very small amount with easily reversible options.
• Very easy to repair if damaged, and often won’t require a full replacement

For more information on composite veneers vs porcelain veneers check out our valuable resources at our blog online.

As dental implants are inserted into the jawbone, they become a permanent element to the structure of your teeth. They offer a lifelong solution to veneers, despite being more of an expensive procedure, due to being highly durable and can replace damaged or broken teeth.

There are advantageous due to being:

• A permanent solution for missing teeth, and won’t affect the structure of  surrounding teeth.
• Look and function just as a natural tooth would be, offering a familiar feeling when eating, drinking and brushing your teeth.
• Preserve jawbone health and prevent bone loss, providing structural support for other teeth once inserted and healing is completed.
• Chewing and speech is improved, once teeth are repaired and gaps have been filled and repaired, this makes eating and talking much easier for comfortability in your daily routine.
• Despite the more involved procedure of implant surgery, there will be no impact on adjacent teeth, our specialised and skilled dentists use dental techniques which are non-invasive to your surrounding teeth.
• With proper oral care, your implant/implants can last up to 20 years, before needing a replacement.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root which is surgically inserted into the jawbone, to replace or support teeth.

Dental implants are also a restorative type procedure and can fully restore your natural smile and visual look.

This includes:

• A titanium post that will eventually fuse with the jawbone once inserted in the jawbone
• An abutment which connects the post to the final replacement tooth
• A custom made crown is created, which functions and looks just like a natural tooth

Veneers

Cost Range (AUD): $750 - $2,500 per tooth

Factors Affecting Cost

•Type of veneers (e.g. composite, porcelain) 

• Number of teeth treated 

• Specifics of procedure/services  

Implants

Cost Range (AUD): $3,000 - $7,500 per tooth

Factors Affecting Cost

• Number of implants needed

• Case complexity

• Need for bone grafting

• Type of implant material

Important Note: This is guide only, as prices can vary significantly depending on the type of dental procedure.

Veneers

Typically completed with 2-3 dental visits, for patients who wish to change their smile with minimal tooth preparation required.

• A consultation assessment: Is completed by one of our dentists before we begin any preparations for your teeth.
• Impressions are taken of your teeth: Prior and are prepared in our dental lab.
• Tooth preparations: Our dentists will prepare each tooth's surface during each appointment in order to adjust your veneers so they fit comfortably in the natural structure of your teeth.
• Fitting & bonding: We will check the shape and fit of your veneers before bonding them to your existing teeth by curing them to the surface of each tooth.
• Buff and polish: Finally a buffing once your veneers are bonded into place for the final detailing.

Implants

Implants involve a multi step process that is a long term solution and requires several steps over a few months.

• Assessment: Our dentists & surgeons will make an evaluation of your oral health and talk about your treatment plan with options.
• Scans and X-rays: are taken of your mouth for the best placement of your new implants 
• A surgical procedure: Will take place to insert the implant post/posts, where a small hole will be drilled into the jawbone, before the implant is inserted into the area and stitches into the gum. 
• Healing time: Also known as osseointegration, where a titanium or metal free ceramic implant creates a direct bond with the jawbone's soft tissue, this may take several months. 
• The abutment: Our dentists create an abutment for the implant.
• Tooth placement: Our specialists will attach the artificial tooth or crown the abutment. With the final results lasting a long time,  with a complete natural look.

How long do implants last? 

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Typically lasting for up from 10-20 years, before potentially needing replacement. 

With proper oral care, regular dental checks are needed, and cleaning maintenance. These long lasting results provide a great investment for anyone seeking a permanent replacement for a tooth.  

Our dentists offer comprehensive dental advice, care solutions and can guide you on how to take care of your implants for long lasting results.

How long do Veneers last? 

Porcelain veneers typically last 10-15 years with proper care, and are known for their high durability and natural appearance.

While composite veneers may need replacement after 5-7 years, however they are a more affordable option due to being made of mixed materials, as well as natural wear and tear and lifestyle factors, such as eating habits.

Does Medicare Cover Implants and Veneers? 

Medicare generally doesn’t cover cosmetic dental treatments such as veneers. Overall dental implants, for coverage under Medicare is limited based on certain considerations and cases where the procedure is necessary.

Some private health insurance or healthfund policies may provide partial coverage for dental for these types of treatments, depending on your level of coverage and policy. You can check with your insurance provider to check your coverage options in more details

Should I choose Implants or Veneers? 

In either circumstance, implants and veneers highly depend on your specific needs and a thorough examination of your teeth.

Veneers are a great choice if you have minor cosmetic issues, and your teeth are healthy but need cosmetic improvement and if you’re considering a smile transformation.

On the other hand, implants might be the solution for you if you have severely damaged teeth & structure, and you require a more permanent restorative solution and long term investment.

For personal care and patient treatment, partner with our professionals at Vogue Dental Studios. 

Our highly experienced team can guide you through the decision making process, providing quality dental solutions that are tailored to your individual needs.

We can provide you with cosmetic treatments, more permanent solutions with care and support. Book an appointment with us today.